Volkswagen Sales Up 10.7 Percent - Best October Since 1974 - Record October for Passat And Jetta

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 1 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today reported its best October sales in 27 years with double-digit growth.

In October, Volkswagen sold 30,032 new cars in the U.S., which represents an increase of 10.7 percent over last year's mark of 27,132. Not since 1974 has Volkswagen enjoyed October sales of this magnitude.

October represented another milestone for Volkswagen's Passat model. Volkswagen sold 8,847 Passats this October versus 6,589 the previous year -- a record for the brand's family midsize sedan and wagon and a percentage increase of 34.3. The new Passat, which was restyled earlier this year, continues to be the best-selling German midsize sold in the U.S.

Volkswagen's number-one selling Jetta model enjoyed October sales of 11,680 versus 2000's mark of 10,394, an increase of 12.4 percent and the best October in the model's 21-year sales history. The Jetta continues to be America's top European model.

Sales of the German automaker's convertible offering, the Volkswagen Cabrio, were also up at 946, an increase of 13.6 percent over last year's 833.

For the year, Volkswagen has sold 298,820 versus 2000's record pace of 302,017.

Volkswagen remains the nation's top-selling European brand.